"Let me say I'm very, very pleased with the progress of the operation so far. It has been orderly and largely peaceful," Ford said, thanking city manager Joe Pennachetti, police chief Bill Blair and other city officials for their help.

by David Rider11/23/2011 9:58:08 PM

Ford also said he's proud of the professionalism demonstrated by city staff and Toronto police officers "who made this peaceful resolution possible." Ford noted that most Occupy Toronto protesters were peaceful and thanked the residents and businesses near St. James Park for their patience.

by David Rider11/23/2011 10:00:04 PM

City manager Joe Pennachetti said a team of 100 city staff and 30 vehicles from various departments worked together to remove the materials from the park. "We wanted to facilitate this peacefully and I'm pleased that, by and large, this has been accomplished." Pennachetti said he expects the park clean-up will be completed tonight.

by David Rider11/23/2011 10:02:39 PM

The city manaer said parks staff will then assess damage and begin plans to restore the park, and delayed winterization of the sprinkler system will be done. Pennachetti said tents and other belongings removed from the park have been numbered and inventoried and be claimed by their owners.

by David Rider11/23/2011 10:03:56 PM

The city will, as soon as possible, post information on its website telling people where they can pick up their belongings. Shelter, support and administration staff helped several "vulnerable" protesters today, Pennachetti added. Support staff remain on site to help anyone who needs it.

by David Rider11/23/2011 10:05:07 PM

Pennachetti said Occupy has been a "massive undertaking" for city staff over the past several weeks. "Finally I want to take this opportunity to thank the protesters for their co-operation to ensure the clean-up of the park was peaceful."

by David Rider11/23/2011 10:06:35 PM

Asked about his message for protesters if they occupy another site, Ford said: 'The protest is over and I'd like to keep it that way. If they do go to another park we will ask them to leave immediately."

by David Rider11/23/2011 10:07:57 PM

Asked if taxpayers should be on the hook for clean-up costs, Ford said "it's very disturbing that taxpayers will have to pay for this. I don't know what else we can do." Asked if the city can charge the unions who provided tents and supplies to the protesters, Ford said: "We can't do that." The city's Occupy-related costs are not yet tallied.

by David Rider11/23/2011 10:09:57 PM

A few protestors back on bullhorn in gazebo. "we are still here," they chant. Not many people left here #OccupyToronto